When Helton sat down for lunch Saturday, his mind was made up. There was no gray area for the man who has worn purple pinstripes his entire 17-year career. With his wife, Christy, at his side, Helton confidently uttered the words he had never spoken publicly.

“Yes, this is it,” Helton said. “I am retiring.”

Helton isn’t big on plans. He lives hour to hour, moment to moment, a puzzling schedule for an icon who has followed a regimented program for nearly two decades. But the timing of his announcement had a purpose.

Monday, Helton returns to Denver for a final nine-game homestand. He respects and appreciates the devotion of the fans. He felt an obligation to play every day, tolerating unspeakable pain that left him, at times, unable to walk or tie his shoes. Because he’s been asked several times in recent weeks, he wanted the fans to know this is it.

“Todd, for his whole career, has just put his head down and went for it. That’s what I respect about him. There is not a lot of fanfare or hoopla. He’s grinded for 17 years and he’s had a (heck) of a career,” said manager Walt Weiss, who played with Helton in 1997. “He’s the guy who has given the organization credibility in its 20-year history.”

Helton has practically authored the Rockies’ record book. He leads in every meaningful offensive category, including home runs, runs scored and RBIs. While many players struggle to adjust to retirement, citing friendships with teammates, Helton views it in different terms.

“I am sure it will be hard,” he said. “A lot of guys say it’s the camaraderie, and sitting in the clubhouse, that they miss. I can go to hunting camp and sit around talking to the guys. I will miss the competition. I love the game. I enjoy it more than people might think. I enjoy preparing, getting myself ready and going out and battling. I don’t know how I am going to replace that.”

Helton has labored through some long, lean years, reaching the playoffs just twice.

As he looks ahead to a life of hunting, golfing and spending time with his family — “I have never gone on a summer vacation my entire life,” he said with a laugh — Helton has few regrets.

“Obviously you have some. I always feel and think I could have done more for the team,” Helton said. “I wish I could have done everything a little better. I wish we had won more. But I am not going to let it worry me or cause me to not to sleep at night. I know I gave it everything I had.”

Troy is a former Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies beat writer for The Denver Post. He joined the news organization in 2002 as the Rockies' beat writer and became a Broncos beat writer in 2014 before assuming the lead role ahead of the 2015 season. He left The Post in 2015.

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